You may not need to remove shoes for TSA screening at some airports: Reports
The Transportation Security Administration is reportedly allowing the general public to keep shoes on for screenings at select U.S airports, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News, CBS News and NBC News, among other outlets, though in a statement to USA TODAY on Monday, the agency said no official changes had been made to its policy.
'TSA and (the Department of Homeland Security) are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture. Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels," the statement said.
Most people have had to take their shoes off for airport screening for nearly two decades, after a passenger tried to ignite explosives in his shoes during a 2001 flight.
Travelers over age 75, children appearing to be younger than 13 years old, and passengers enrolled in trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Clear can already keep their shoes on. Just last year, TSA released a video promoting that TSA PreCheck perk.
Really. Your sweat stains can set off TSA body scanners
Now, several outlets are reporting that everyone will be able to keep their shoes on for screening at some airports, CBS News specifically named:
Baltimore/Washington International Airport
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Fort Lauderdale International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport
Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina
Portland International Airport
TSA procedures may vary at different airports.
"One thing that is a pretty frequent moniker here, 'when you've seen one airport, you've seen one airport.' They're all so very different,' Carter Langston, press secretary for Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at the TSA, previously told USA TODAY. 'When you talk about airport security screening at the checkpoint, TSA really does have a risk-based, intelligence-driven, multiple layers of security, both seen and unseen.'
Contributing: Zach Wichter
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shoes can now stay on for TSA screening at some airports, per reports
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-tsa-is-cracking-down-on-powerbanks-tout-ed36110f63ce42d8b2972dd89dc9b10f.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
TSA Is Cracking Down on Power Banks—Here's How to Make Sure Yours Won't Get Taken Away
Last month, while flying out of Denver, I was surprised to see my carry-on luggage pulled aside at the TSA checkpoint. A security agent opened it up and pulled out my power bank, inspecting the fine print on the back. After a pause, he nodded and said it was fine, but added that some of these don't pass. It was the first time in years of frequent travel that my external battery had triggered a manual check, and it caught me off guard. That quick check wasn't random. In response to safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries, the TSA has stepped up enforcement and is paying closer attention to power banks during security screenings. 'TSA has not 'banned' power banks. However, they are only allowed in carry-on bags,' a spokesperson told Travel + Leisure . Most standard power banks fall under the FAA's 100Wh (or 27,000mAh) limit, but higher-capacity models are increasingly common, especially among travelers looking to charge laptops or multiple devices. If your charger exceeds the limit, isn't clearly labeled with its watt-hour rating, or ends up in a checked bag, it could be flagged, delayed, or even confiscated at screening. To help you avoid a stressful bag search (or worse, losing your charger entirely), here are eight power banks that meet FAA and TSA standards—and they're all available at Amazon. Many are marked down under $50, including one on sale for just $16. This is the power bank I keep with me for flights. It's impressively slim—about the size of a phone—and easy to slide into a small purse for long days when I won't be back at the hotel for hours. It delivers 3A high-speed charging and can power up most phones in just over an hour. The soft-touch finish doesn't scratch easily, and it features dual USB ports, allowing me to top off both my phone and earbuds on the go. Bonus: the little paw-print LED light glows when it's on, which is oddly satisfying at 30,000 feet. This compact yet powerful TSA-compliant charger is one of Anker's best-reviewed models. It features a sleek digital display showing battery percentage, charges devices quickly, and recharges itself just as fast. One shopper said it 'takes about 25 percent of the portable charger's power to take my phone from 10 percent to 100 percent.' Reviewers also appreciate the durable, travel-friendly design, which features a USB-C cable looped directly into the top. This MagSafe-compatible wireless charger is marked down to just $24, and Amazon reviewers are calling it a game-changer. 'The magnetic alignment is spot-on, snapping perfectly onto my iPhone 13 Pro for seamless wireless charging. It holds securely without any wobbling, even when I'm moving around. The 10,000mAh capacity is more than enough to fully charge my phone at least twice, which is perfect for long days or travel,' one reviewer said. Other perks include a built-in foldable stand that props your phone up for easy in-flight streaming and a side LED display that shows the battery level. Just note it is not compatible with Android devices. If you're traveling with a laptop or other power-hungry devices, this high-capacity charger is right at the FAA's 100Wh limit and packs serious power. It features three ports (including a 140W USB-C) and a digital display that shows real-time output and battery life. Despite its size, it's carry-on legal and ideal for long-haul flights, international work trips, or digital nomad travel when outlets are scarce. Don't let the size fool you—this ultra-compact charger delivers impressive speed and efficiency for its footprint. With 22.5W fast charging and support for both PD 3.0 and QC 3.0, it can quickly power up most phones, tablets, or wireless earbuds. The digital display clearly shows the remaining battery percentage, and the slim, matte finish makes it easy to grip and slide into a small bag or jacket pocket. It's an ideal backup option for day trips or long flights where space is limited. With more than 80,000 five-star ratings, this Amazon best-seller has become a go-to for frequent travelers. It's slim, lightweight, and powerful enough to charge most phones at least twice fully. Anker's PowerIQ technology automatically adjusts output for fast and efficient charging, and the dual-port setup allows for simultaneous charging of two devices. It's carry-on safe, FAA-compliant, and reliably holds its charge between trips, which is why I keep reaching for it again and again. If you're heading into the wilderness for a multi-day backcountry trip, such as rafting, backpacking, or climbing, this solar-powered charger is a smart choice. Charge it before your flight and top it off later using the built-in solar panel. The rugged exterior is designed for the outdoors, featuring a wireless charging pad, dual flashlights, and a compass clip for added utility in the backcountry. An Amazon's Choice product, one reviewer said they bought one and liked it so much that they purchased three more. This sleek, MagSafe-compatible charger is ideal for travelers who want to eliminate the need for cords. It snaps right onto the back of your iPhone and doubles as a fold-out stand for hands-free use—ideal for streaming on flights or checking maps on the go. At 5,000mAh, it won't fully recharge your phone twice, but it's more than enough for a midday boost when you're out sightseeing or in transit. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
USA Today
2 days ago
- USA Today
Last chance! Shop Prime Day deals on tech gadgets that made my 30-hour travel day seamless
I'm a budget traveler through and through, but sometimes my frugal tendencies can get me into trouble. Case in point: When I was traveling home from a trip to Copenhagen, I (foolishly) updated my flight plans to take another route back which entailed an additional layover—and the promise of shaving hundreds of dollars off my original flight booking. What was supposed to be a short layover in another city quickly turned into multiple rerouted flights and endless hours spent in foreign airports. By the time all was said and done, my 15-hour travel day had evolved into a 30-hour one. And the only thing that kept me sane in the chaos? A handful of small but mighty tech gadgets that enabled me to stay charged, stay connected and stay entertained while I was on the go—all from Amazon and all currently on sale at Prime Day 2025. While I wouldn't wish my lengthy travel day on anyone, I can vouch that these tech products are the real deal. And if you (like me) are someone who travels frequently or just wants to be prepared in the event of a hectic travel day, you're not going to want to miss these last-chance Prime Day deals—available now and for only a few more hours: MORE: We found a best-selling Samsonite suitcase for 50% off at Amazon Last-chance Amazon Prime Day deals: Travel-friendly tech on sale More: I'm a frequent flyer. Shop 10 Prime Day travel deals I'm packing first ✈️ More: Shop Amazon's most popular Kindle devices and e-readers on sale at Prime Day 2025 📖 Amazon Prime Day 2025 begins on Tuesday, July 8 and will end on Friday, July 11. USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the savings throughout Prime Day 2025, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated! In order to access most deals, you'll want to be an Amazon Prime member. The July Prime Day sale has tons of special Prime-exclusive discounts on select products that can help members save more than anyone else. Plus, joining Prime helps guarantee you get other perks like fast shipping all year long, access to Prime Video, Prime Reading, Prime Gaming and more. Sign up for Amazon Prime
CNN
2 days ago
- CNN
Why sweating might get you pulled over at airport security
In travel news this week: five Americans living in France and loving it, inside the cockpit of a self-landing plane, plus sweaty secrets of the TSA security checkpoints. It's been a sizzling summer so far in the United States and Europe, but there's one lesser-known side effect of all these high temperatures. Heavy perspiration can earn you a pat-down at airport security, particularly if it's pooling in intimate pouches. Ever had the machine go off and the security officer had to wave over you with the magic wand? Moistness might well have been the problem. We asked the TSA to explain why this happens. 'Added moisture from a person's body can alter the density of clothing, so it is possible perspiration may cause our Advanced Imaging Technology machines to alarm,' a spokesperson said. 'If this occurs, the passenger may need to undergo additional screening, such as a pat-down in the area of the body where the AIT alarmed, to ensure there is no threat.' Sweatiness or otherwise, TSA lines will move a little faster from now on, since on Tuesday TSA removed the requirement for all passengers to take off shoes at airport security checkpoints. Our video has the details. The 3.4 ounce liquid rule remains in place, but there is one TSA-approved hack that allows travelers to bring a bottle of water past the scanners. It takes a little planning, but your beverage will undoubtedly be refreshing. Here's how it works. To help you navigate high temperatures this summer — and know when extra hydration is important — CNN has produced a US heat-risk tracker. See how things are looking in your area right now. 'I had the dream of France … But the dream was not as easy as I thought at all,' says Colorado woman Jennie Vercouteren, who moved with her husband, Ward, to the French Pyrenees in 2016. The pair entered the property management business and, while things got off to a shaky start, Vercouteren says, 'We don't regret making the decision. I love how beautiful and calm life here is.' The Zuerchers, a Florida couple in their early 60s who recently moved to Nice, in the south of France, agree. 'Nice is what Florida wishes it was,' is Pennie Zuercher's take on the French city. 'Every country has its issues,' Geoff says, 'so we're not walking around with rose-colored glasses like France is perfect, but it really fits us.' Proving that a fresh start can be made at any age, California woman Carole Carson says that relocating to France at the age of 80 saved her life. She now writes for her hometown paper back in Nevada City, California, and has published four novels. 'Something about being freed from expectations of who I was based on who I'd always been, allowed me to be the writer I'd always wanted to be …' she says. 'I was free to recreate myself once again.' One word of caution, though, given all our talk of high temperatures. Western Europe just had its hottest June on record and air conditioning is still very rare in the region's homes. Here's why. CNN aviation correspondent Pete Muntean is a certified pilot, but on a recent trip he let go of the controls to allow the plane to land itself. This revolutionary new self-landing system is being installed in some private planes. Think you could land a plane without breaking a sweat? No? Our partners at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, have this guide to 16 products that make dealing with perspiration easier. Might be handy for your next airport trip, too. The pope is staying cool on his summer vacation in this hilltop town. Pontiffs have kicked back here for centuries. He saw her in Yellowstone and thought, 'I'm going to marry that girl.' And he did. Japan's panda capital is losing its pandas. What happens next? He fell into a crevasse while exploring a glacier. Then his Chihuahua saved the day.
